For More Students, Working on Wikis Is Part of Making the Grade

Misha Petrovic, an assistant professor of sociology at the National University of Singapore who has been using wiki tools for five semesters, said he believed that using the wiki format made the learning experience more dynamic. The approach encourages peer-to-peer learning, rather than passive waiting for the instructor’s feedback, he said.

Mr. Petrovic, who has also taught in the United States and Europe, notes that in the context of Asian culture, wikis can help students who tend to be less outspoken.

“Many here are often uncomfortable speaking in front of the class,”’ he said, “so dividing them into wiki teams and allowing them to contribute from home and at their own pace works great.”